The Fat Penguin – A Game of Truth

Can serve as an ice-breaker!

Social media apps bring people together through conversation, pictures, games, and many other forms of connecting. The most entertaining, many find, is through games, which allows people to just let loose, engage in a bit of competition and interact with others. Back in the day, we used to play games that were physically in front of us: chess, Monopoly, cards, and more. Nowadays, with so many devices at our beck and call, loaded with apps that blow minds away with activities one would never think of, a new app has emerged from Denmark called The Fat Penguin. Yes, you heard correctly.

What is this game, you ask? It’s kind of like Truth or Dare, but requires the asker of a question to correctly guess how each player has answered the question put out on the table. It randomly generates questions that players have to secretly answer. At least two players are required, but the more players you have, the better it gets…although the recommended maximum is 8 players. More than 8 can get lengthy and drawn out.

When you start the game, you get a question. Each player takes turns being the asker and guesser. They ask the question out loud. All other players must answer secretly. If all players have the app loaded, this can all be done electronically. If not, you can just have everyone write down their answer. When it comes time for the asker to guess, they make their guess for each player, the player shows their answer, and points are awarded for each correct guess. After that round, the next person is the asker; the game will provide another question after rolling the dice. This continues around the room, so all players have a chance to be the inquisitor. At the end of the game, tally the points to see who the winner is.

Questions come in a few different categories, which you can see by clicking at the top of the screen. You can choose different settings also, such as setting a time limit on guessing answers or turning it into a drinking game. Additional questions can also be purchased in-app, should you find your crew has become hooked, you’re playing every weekend and have run out of interesting options.

However, there is a warning. This game can ask questions that are not considered appropriate for younger audiences, as the minimum age to play is 17 years old. Many have found this game a bit offensive given the peculiar questions put forth, but if you can get over that, it’s an entertaining way to get to know your friends even better, and to meet new people.

Overall, the Fat Penguin was entertaining, engaging, and certainly better that just gathering up a bunch of friends, sitting around and watching a movie. It serves as an ice breaker for those times when you’ve gathered a group unfamiliar with each other, or have invited a few new folks to the flock. Give it try. What have you got to lose?